Most of us use tenders, or dinghies, to transport ourselves to shore and back if we anchor out. What type do you use and do you also use the dinghy for joy rides, fishing, sightseeing or utility purposes like carrying cargo? Do you consider your dinghy a safety item in case of emergency? What type do you use and where do you store it? Express your dinghyness here then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
- Status
No dinghy at the moment
but I'm looking for a cheap rigid sailable dinghy! I might even make a stitch and glue 10 footer.
but I'm looking for a cheap rigid sailable dinghy! I might even make a stitch and glue 10 footer.
More trouble than they're worth!
I got a Mercury Quicksilver "Airbed" 310 inflatable with my boat when I bought it. My original thinking was that it would be a good safety device in the event of a sinking. When I attempted to inflate it though - I quickly realized that I would be at the bottom of Lake Erie long before I got it in the water! So I figured I could use it for recreation at my marina. Then I found that the PVC material almost always had a leak in it whenever I attempted to inflate it. I've repaired three leaks so far and there was another one this year. Then our marina tries to charge me for "another boat." if I keep it in the water at my dock. Putting it on the boat solves that problem, but leaves me with the hassle of getting it off the boat when I want to go sailing. All in all - and considering the times I've actually used it - the dinghy just isn't worth it! Bill on STARGAZER
I got a Mercury Quicksilver "Airbed" 310 inflatable with my boat when I bought it. My original thinking was that it would be a good safety device in the event of a sinking. When I attempted to inflate it though - I quickly realized that I would be at the bottom of Lake Erie long before I got it in the water! So I figured I could use it for recreation at my marina. Then I found that the PVC material almost always had a leak in it whenever I attempted to inflate it. I've repaired three leaks so far and there was another one this year. Then our marina tries to charge me for "another boat." if I keep it in the water at my dock. Putting it on the boat solves that problem, but leaves me with the hassle of getting it off the boat when I want to go sailing. All in all - and considering the times I've actually used it - the dinghy just isn't worth it! Bill on STARGAZER
Time just ran OUT !
I bought my Quicksilver inflatable in 1992. It has been both my main means of getting out to my boat on the mooring, and on extended cruises, out life raft. This past June, while prepping to go to our boat I discovered that my port tube was slack. I pumped it up and was about to leave for the landing, when I noticed it was slack again. Oh-Oh, I made up a solution of soapy water and began spraying seams. No bubbles. The problem turned out to be the area where the valve is cemented in. I tried the West Marine leak sealer without success. Finally I called a life raft repair company. When I told them how old the boat was they laughted. "Life expectancy of those is 5 years if you're lucky", " How did you get so much life out of it?" I told them I had an overhead door into my basement, and backed the trailer and boat in and kept it there whenever not in use, and only sun light it got was when it was being used. It has/had been a good and faithful servant and I feel guilty about replacing it.
I bought my Quicksilver inflatable in 1992. It has been both my main means of getting out to my boat on the mooring, and on extended cruises, out life raft. This past June, while prepping to go to our boat I discovered that my port tube was slack. I pumped it up and was about to leave for the landing, when I noticed it was slack again. Oh-Oh, I made up a solution of soapy water and began spraying seams. No bubbles. The problem turned out to be the area where the valve is cemented in. I tried the West Marine leak sealer without success. Finally I called a life raft repair company. When I told them how old the boat was they laughted. "Life expectancy of those is 5 years if you're lucky", " How did you get so much life out of it?" I told them I had an overhead door into my basement, and backed the trailer and boat in and kept it there whenever not in use, and only sun light it got was when it was being used. It has/had been a good and faithful servant and I feel guilty about replacing it.
Walker Bay
Hi: I have a 8' Walker Bay dinghy that I can tow. It can be sailed with the sail kit available. I find it to be too "tippy" for my wife and have been thinking that I will get an inflatable one someday.
Hi: I have a 8' Walker Bay dinghy that I can tow. It can be sailed with the sail kit available. I find it to be too "tippy" for my wife and have been thinking that I will get an inflatable one someday.
WALKER BAY RIB
After a great deal of searching and research, we purchased a Walker Bay RIB late last winter...and absolutely love it! There are a number of models on the market now and we chose the Folding Transom Light 10.5' model (FTL 310). The Walker Bay is far lighter than any other "plastic" RIB out there and since we stow it on the foredeck, that was important. Almost no complaints at all except that the integral wheels are basically worthless on anything other than a hard (concrete) surface and that the boat (I believe because of the light weight poly construction of the hull) hull flexes just a bit underway on plane, the boat isn't quite as fast as other, even heavier RIB's out there. Still, the boat tracks like it is on rails, the large Hypalon tubes keep the boat dry, and the included features (removable inner floor, good handholds, seat, etc.) should place the Walker Bay RIB very high on anyone's list.
After a great deal of searching and research, we purchased a Walker Bay RIB late last winter...and absolutely love it! There are a number of models on the market now and we chose the Folding Transom Light 10.5' model (FTL 310). The Walker Bay is far lighter than any other "plastic" RIB out there and since we stow it on the foredeck, that was important. Almost no complaints at all except that the integral wheels are basically worthless on anything other than a hard (concrete) surface and that the boat (I believe because of the light weight poly construction of the hull) hull flexes just a bit underway on plane, the boat isn't quite as fast as other, even heavier RIB's out there. Still, the boat tracks like it is on rails, the large Hypalon tubes keep the boat dry, and the included features (removable inner floor, good handholds, seat, etc.) should place the Walker Bay RIB very high on anyone's list.
Anyone use an electric motor on a zodiac?
I'm thinking of using a minkota, 50 watt, transom mount on my 8 foot inflatable, instead of a gas outboard. Any of you tried anything similar? I've got a week to decide! Thanks, George
I'm thinking of using a minkota, 50 watt, transom mount on my 8 foot inflatable, instead of a gas outboard. Any of you tried anything similar? I've got a week to decide! Thanks, George
The Versitile Portland Pudgy
We researched various alternatives for dinghys and life rafts and came to the conclusion that the Portland Pudgy would satisfy both needs. We will be heading off next year on an extended multi-year cruise and found we liked the idea of using our life raft daily so we know it will work when needed. It's not a real strong sailer, but sails much better than a life raft (drifter). We still have a roll-up Avon that is well used and on it's last legs. The rub rail is dangling and some of the attached hardware isn't attached anymore. but it still holds air well and we will continue to use it until it's done. You can never have enough dinghys!
We researched various alternatives for dinghys and life rafts and came to the conclusion that the Portland Pudgy would satisfy both needs. We will be heading off next year on an extended multi-year cruise and found we liked the idea of using our life raft daily so we know it will work when needed. It's not a real strong sailer, but sails much better than a life raft (drifter). We still have a roll-up Avon that is well used and on it's last legs. The rub rail is dangling and some of the attached hardware isn't attached anymore. but it still holds air well and we will continue to use it until it's done. You can never have enough dinghys!
Electric Motor?
Do you really want to deal with a battery, and it's associated problems, in a dinghy?
Do you really want to deal with a battery, and it's associated problems, in a dinghy?
Avon 3.10 RIB
We have an old Avon 3.10 RIB that we are still nursing along. Patching patches and that sort of thing. It is the PEOPLE MOVER with a Yamaha 15. We store it on the foredeck when underway and drag it behind when putting around. We are on a P42.
We have an old Avon 3.10 RIB that we are still nursing along. Patching patches and that sort of thing. It is the PEOPLE MOVER with a Yamaha 15. We store it on the foredeck when underway and drag it behind when putting around. We are on a P42.
I use a 9 foot kayak
I have an old Aqua-Terra Keowii kayak that I bought in the mid 90s. It's 9'2" and it fits kitty cornered in the back of my pick up truck with a cap. I keep a 20' length of 3/16 braid line tied to the bow of the kayak, and use this boat to get out to my sailboat on the mooring. When I sail off the kayak is towed along behind my boat. My dog can jump in and out of the kayak from the sailboat with no problem. The line on the kayak makes it very easy for me to get in and out of it from the boat or a dock. It tows very well behind my sailboat when I'm beating up into the wind, but running in heavy winds causes it to have a tendency to want to capsize the kayak. I've overcome this problem by tying the Kayak along side of my boat between fenders, or bringing it aboard.
I have an old Aqua-Terra Keowii kayak that I bought in the mid 90s. It's 9'2" and it fits kitty cornered in the back of my pick up truck with a cap. I keep a 20' length of 3/16 braid line tied to the bow of the kayak, and use this boat to get out to my sailboat on the mooring. When I sail off the kayak is towed along behind my boat. My dog can jump in and out of the kayak from the sailboat with no problem. The line on the kayak makes it very easy for me to get in and out of it from the boat or a dock. It tows very well behind my sailboat when I'm beating up into the wind, but running in heavy winds causes it to have a tendency to want to capsize the kayak. I've overcome this problem by tying the Kayak along side of my boat between fenders, or bringing it aboard.
Baltik
Two weeks ago I had my 2002 Mercury Quicksilver 7'-11" with an air floor dinghy stolen from my marina, Yes stolen, while having the 4hp Merc repaired...long story.... but had to replace it quick. I started shopping and priced out the purchase of another Mercury, or a West Marine or Zodiac of the same size and features. The price ranged from $1,000 to about $1,500. A friend told me about a dinghy offered on eBay manufactured by Baltik. I researched the brand and found favorable comments so made the decision to go ahead and try it. I paid about $600 including shipping for a 8'-5" air floor dinghy. It was shipped right a way and arrived within a few days UPS. I was excited to see the quality, fit and finish of this $600 dinghy and was quit impressed! The next question was "How well will it handle in the water" This weekend she got her sea trial. With the 4 hp Merc she comes up on plane must better than the Mercury I previously owned and the tubes are slightly larger thus it is more stable. End result, Very Happy!! So far! It is a very good clone at half the price.
Two weeks ago I had my 2002 Mercury Quicksilver 7'-11" with an air floor dinghy stolen from my marina, Yes stolen, while having the 4hp Merc repaired...long story.... but had to replace it quick. I started shopping and priced out the purchase of another Mercury, or a West Marine or Zodiac of the same size and features. The price ranged from $1,000 to about $1,500. A friend told me about a dinghy offered on eBay manufactured by Baltik. I researched the brand and found favorable comments so made the decision to go ahead and try it. I paid about $600 including shipping for a 8'-5" air floor dinghy. It was shipped right a way and arrived within a few days UPS. I was excited to see the quality, fit and finish of this $600 dinghy and was quit impressed! The next question was "How well will it handle in the water" This weekend she got her sea trial. With the 4 hp Merc she comes up on plane must better than the Mercury I previously owned and the tubes are slightly larger thus it is more stable. End result, Very Happy!! So far! It is a very good clone at half the price.
Electric motor
I have run a 12v motor on the dingy. It was perfect! No noise, the dog was calm. You just have to have the ability to charge the battery.
I have run a 12v motor on the dingy. It was perfect! No noise, the dog was calm. You just have to have the ability to charge the battery.
dink
Since I now have more of a grouped mooring than a dock due to the flooding of the lake I bought an el cheapo inflatable boat from Target for $30 to paddle out to my boat. It is extra cheap, poorly built, and paddles like crap but hell, the lake wont be flooded for ever and I rarely have an occasion where I need a dingy anyway.
Since I now have more of a grouped mooring than a dock due to the flooding of the lake I bought an el cheapo inflatable boat from Target for $30 to paddle out to my boat. It is extra cheap, poorly built, and paddles like crap but hell, the lake wont be flooded for ever and I rarely have an occasion where I need a dingy anyway.
baltiks
I bought a Baltik on ebay..mine started failing after 1 year and completely fell apart after 2 years....pvc material gummed up and the seams came unglued (I did as well!). They are made in China and very, very poor quality. Hope you have better luck than I did. At the very least, I would keep it covered.
I bought a Baltik on ebay..mine started failing after 1 year and completely fell apart after 2 years....pvc material gummed up and the seams came unglued (I did as well!). They are made in China and very, very poor quality. Hope you have better luck than I did. At the very least, I would keep it covered.
9 foot Seveylor RIB
We bought a used 9' Seveylor RIB with a Merc 5hp 2 stroke. This little thing has been so much fun. My wife said that if she knew how much fun it was going to be, we would have had one before we had a sailboat! We bought a pair of Davis Dingy Davits and store our dingy off the stern of our boat. These davits are ideal for us as we have a mizzen mast whose boom precludes us from having any higher standing davits.
We bought a used 9' Seveylor RIB with a Merc 5hp 2 stroke. This little thing has been so much fun. My wife said that if she knew how much fun it was going to be, we would have had one before we had a sailboat! We bought a pair of Davis Dingy Davits and store our dingy off the stern of our boat. These davits are ideal for us as we have a mizzen mast whose boom precludes us from having any higher standing davits.
Walker Bay 310 FTD
When I was looking fo a dinghy for my new Hunter 49, the Walker Bay Genesis was at the top of nearly every sorting of my list of contenders. I eventually opted for the folding transom Hypalon model, so that it could be stowed more compactly on the foredeck when required. It is currently mounted on a set of Ocean Marine davits and is powered by a Torqeedo 801 rechargable lithium ion electric motor, which very quietly takes the dinghy to hull speed.
When I was looking fo a dinghy for my new Hunter 49, the Walker Bay Genesis was at the top of nearly every sorting of my list of contenders. I eventually opted for the folding transom Hypalon model, so that it could be stowed more compactly on the foredeck when required. It is currently mounted on a set of Ocean Marine davits and is powered by a Torqeedo 801 rechargable lithium ion electric motor, which very quietly takes the dinghy to hull speed.
Fold-a-Boat
Another alternative is the Fold-a-Boat I use. I originally bought it for fishing and crabbing before I got my Mac 26X. It can either be towed or folded up and stored aboard.
Another alternative is the Fold-a-Boat I use. I originally bought it for fishing and crabbing before I got my Mac 26X. It can either be towed or folded up and stored aboard.
The Garbage Scow
I held on to the hard dinghy that came with my first old boat. When we cruise with our Beneteau 311 I tow it without any problem. We employ human propulsion exclusively(it's good exercise)and saved having to invest in an outboard. We refer to it as the garbage scow as it provides us a good, downwind container to hold garbage bags between ports of call.
I held on to the hard dinghy that came with my first old boat. When we cruise with our Beneteau 311 I tow it without any problem. We employ human propulsion exclusively(it's good exercise)and saved having to invest in an outboard. We refer to it as the garbage scow as it provides us a good, downwind container to hold garbage bags between ports of call.
- Status